As Cup Match approaches, one topic that will surely surface is what can be done to ensure that there is an outright winner in the Classic every year.

In the past there have been two main ideas offered in an effort to assure a winner.

Many avid cricket fans feel that Cup Match should be limited overs in both innings with the winner automatically picking themselves by the team who accumulates the most runs over the two innings.

Many others have suggested that Cup Match be played over a period of three days instead of two.

While both of these seem like reasonable options, the question is, do they make sense, and are they feasible?

Having played Cup Match for 22 years, I have played under a few formats and changes in the game. In my opinion, the current format has been the most successful of all so far. Can it be improved is the question? Just a few years ago the two Cup Match clubs agreed to add an extra hour to both days, which is approximately an extra 30 overs. This format has caused immediate ramifications for the game, resulting in four wins and two draws over the last six years.

Still this doesn't seem to be good enough for most on-lookers who seek a victory every year.

Here are my responses to the two suggestions above:

Having limited overs for Cup Match from a spectator's point of view would be the best format, as it will guarantee a result. Many fans would love to see limited-overs cricket as it guarantees aggressive stroke playing.

However, we would become the first to combine two innings of one-day cricket to come up with a winner . . . I don't think we want to become famous for that. This format is totally unheard of and nowhere else in the world does this happen.

On the flip side, what would a third day of cricket bring? It would mean that players would be able to bat longer with more discipline, playing more controlled cricket shots. A third day would increase the probability of a result.

While fans may be concerned that a third day would make batsmen bat slower, I wouldn't be concerned about that, because if you know the average Bermudian batsman, that is not in his nature.

One major concern that could arise from a third day would be the manpower and work from an administrative standpoint that would be required to sustain Cup Match for three days.

As the format is going to remain the same this year, let's figure out how to guarantee a result. Looking at recent Cup Matches, the challenging team should be the one who has to dictate the game. They have to come with a sound game plan and with a back-up plan to overcome any adversity that they may face.

One major difference between the two clubs, Somerset and St.George's, when becoming the challenger is their mentality when it comes to winning and losing. When St.George's are challengers they take more risks from day one till the end of the game and will sacrifice losing every year to try to win the cup back. Somerset, on the other hand, have been less risky in that they are not willing to lose to win the cup back.

Let's take a look back at last year. Somerset batting first had a great start at something like 120 for two. Somerset then sent in two players who are not known as big hitters, thus slowing their innings down, (Sammy Robinson and Azeem Pitcher) when they could have sent in two big hitters (Janeiro Tucker and Jacobi Robinson) who could have got them to 250 runs a lot quicker.

This would have allowed Somerset more time, hence more overs to bowl at St. George's. If you can recall, the last time St. George's were challengers we scored 250 runs before lunch in Somerset.

The reality is that the way the game is set up currently, both clubs have to play aggressive attacking cricket for it to be a result. The challengers have to work hard, take risks, and earn their victory.

Personally, I am a big fan of having a third day for Cup Match as it would allow players to bat sensibly and you will see who the best team really is.

For now though I think the current format is good, but my one recommendation would be to start the game a half hour earlier at 9.30. This would allow 15 additional overs to be bowled over the two days, thus enhancing the chance of a victory.

At the end of the day yes, we want to see a victory, but I feel what is more important is that we want to see good, intelligent, quality cricket.